N.D. census shows statewide population growth

BISMARCK, ND – The U.S. Census Bureau this week released the agency’s annual metropolitan/micropolitan area and county population estimates showing population growth across all regions of North Dakota.

Comment

Devils Lake Journal - Devils Lake, ND

Writer

Posted Mar. 27, 2014 at 2:54 PM

Posted Mar. 27, 2014 at 2:54 PM

BISMARCK, ND – The U.S. Census Bureau this week released the agency’s annual metropolitan/micropolitan area and county population estimates showing population growth across all regions of North Dakota. The state had a number of communities and counties ranked as some of the fastest growing in the nation. A metro area contains a population of 50,000 or more, while a micro area contains at least 10,000, but less than 50,000.

“After years of out-migration and population decline, North Dakota is now recording population growth in all regions of the state, with a number of communities and counties ranked among the fastest growing in the nation,” said Gov. Jack Dalrymple. “Our investments in economic development and job creation are paying off in big ways, creating career opportunities for North Dakotans and attracting new workers to the state.”

Of the nation’s 10 fastest growing metropolitan areas, Fargo and Bismarck ranked fourth and fifth respectively. The Fargo metro area (Cass and Clay Counties) gained 6,075 residents, while the Bismarck metro area gained 3,528 residents. Three of the top five micro areas ranked as the nation’s fastest growing are in North Dakota, with Williston taking the top spot. Dickinson ranked second on the list and Minot rounded off the top five as the fifth fastest growing micro area.

In addition to metro/micro areas, two North Dakota counties ranked among the nation’s fastest growing counties with a population of 10,000 or more. Williams County was ranked as the fastest growing county in the nation and Stark County was ranked as the fourth.

“The growth was wide spread across all regions of the state with 38 of the state’s 53 counties gaining population,” said Kevin Iverson, manager of the Census Office at the North Dakota Department of Commerce. “This is a major turnaround from just a few years ago when only a handful of counties experienced growth and the majority experienced yearly declines in population.”

In-migration in North Dakota has been increasing the past few years and has been the most significant factor in the state’s population growth since the 2010 Census. The estimated net in-migration to North Dakota was 6,900 in 2011, 12,717 in 2012 and 18,051 in 2013. These figures do not include a substantial number of individuals who work in North Dakota, but maintain residency out of state.

“The change has been dramatic,” said Iverson. As recently as 2007, North Dakota had been experiencing a net out-migration.

“North Dakota’s economic strength is continuing to attract new workers into the state,” said Al Anderson, North Dakota Commerce Commissioner. “The fact of the matter is that North Dakota is attracting new residents across the entire state for good jobs and a stable economy.”

Page 2 of 2 -

The population data is a breakdown from the Census Bureau’s state and national population estimates released in December 2013. The Census Bureau reported that North Dakota’s population has reached 723,393 residents, an all-time high.